Updated January 12, 2023
A Missouri lease agreement is written and agreed upon by a landlord and a tenant for a period of time and covers the exchange of a place to live or conduct business in exchange for the payment of rent. The tenant’s credit and income will most likely be verified by the landlord before a lease is signed. At lease signing, the tenant will be obligated to pay the first month’s rent and a security deposit (if any).
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Agreement Types (8)
 Standard Residential Lease Agreement – Fixed-term lease typically for a one-year agreement.
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 Association of Realtors Lease Agreement – To be used and written by a licensed Realtor when handling a transaction between a landlord and tenant.
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 Apartment Association of Missouri Lease – For any standard fixed-term housing arrangement.
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 Commercial Lease Agreement – For any business-related use such as occupying retail, office, or industrial space.
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 Month-to-Month Lease Agreement – Known as a tenancy at will and should be written according to Section 441.060 providing at least one month’s notice to cancel at any time.
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 Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement – Standard residential contract with language providing for the purchase of the property if the tenant chooses to buy.
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 Room Rental (Roommate) Agreement – For individuals sharing common areas within one dwelling.
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 Sublease Agreement – For the purpose of a tenant that is legally bound to an existing arrangement with the landlord and would like another individual to fill in and pay rent until the end of their term.
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Required Disclosures (1)
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – Required by any landlord, per federal law, whose housing unit was built prior to 1978.
Security Deposits
Maximum (Section 535.300) – Two (2) months’ rent.
Returning (Section 535.300) – Within thirty (30) days of the termination of tenancy by the landlord, the deposit must be returned to the tenant.
When is Rent Due?
There is no grace period and no date set in state law, so rent is due on the day outlined in the lease agreement.
Maximum Fees
Late Rent – No law limits a landlord’s fee for late rent, but the fee must be reasonable and be mentioned in the lease.
NSF Fee (§ 570.120(5)) – $25 for amounts less than $100, $50 for checks of$100-$250, and for $250 or more is 10% of the total check amount or $75, whichever is less.
Right to Enter (Landlord)
There is no statute that requires the landlord to give the tenant notice before entering the property for any non-emergency reason.
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Resources
- Title XXIX, Chapter 441 (Landlord and Tenant) – Missouri Revisor of Statutes.
- Title XXXVI, Chapter 535 (Landlord-Tenant Actions) – Missouri Revisor of Statutes.
- Missouri’s Landlord-Tenant Law – Provided by the Attorney General.